WATCH: Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley discusses his team’s 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks in Game 5 of their NHL playoff series
VANCOUVER – Bob Hartley may have a reputation for being a taskmaster, but after the Calgary Flames dropped a 2-1 decision to the Vancouver Canucks in Game 5 of their Western Conference quarter-final, he doled out plenty of praise to his team.
“We tried our very best, I’m very proud of our players,” said Hartley. “They did a great job. We battled and we battled.”
The Flames are heading home and facing adversity for the first time in many of their young playoff careers.
The Canucks staved off elimination Thursday, forcing a Game 6 back in Calgary with the Flames holding a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
READ MORE: Canucks beat Flames 2-1 in Game 5 to keep playoff hopes alive
Still, Hartley says there’s no sense of panic in the Flames locker room.
“Our plan was to win one on the road and we did it in Game 1 and now we’re going back to the Scotiabank Saddledome for Game 6.”
“Once again, we’re facing adversity but that’s what we’ve done all year. It’s a situation that our young players have done well in. Our veterans are used to it, so it’s up to us to prepare ourselves.”
On the brink of ending their season, the Canucks played their best game of the series in Game 5. The Flames know they may have to play with a similar sense of desperation on Saturday to avoid a Game 7 on the road.
READ MORE: Sedins’ experience a key in Canucks Game 5 win over Flames
“We knew it was going to be a fight this series and we expect nothing less,” said Flames defenceman Kris Russell. “They are a good team and they’re not going to give up. We need to make sure we’re ready for the next one.”
One thing the Flames say they can count on is the sea of red that will fill the Saddledome Saturday night.
“We know our fans will welcome us once we get on the ice,” said Hartley. “It’s going to be another great night.”
-with files from Canadian Press
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